CCIA Training Requirements:
16+2 Hours

Statutory Basis

Penal Law Section 400.00(19), enacted as part of the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA), requires applicants seeking issuance or renewal of a carry-concealed license under PL 400.00(2)(f) to complete at least 16 hours of in-person live curriculum instruction and 2 hours of live-fire range training.^[1] This 18-hour combined requirement took effect on September 1, 2022, and applies to all new concealed carry applications filed on or after that date.^[2]

Classroom Curriculum (16 Hours)

The 16-hour in-person classroom component must be delivered by a duly authorized instructor approved by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). DCJS and the State Police superintendent jointly approve the curriculum.^[3] The minimum standards for the curriculum require instruction in the following subject areas:

• General firearm safety
• New York State Penal Law provisions relating to the lawful use of deadly physical force (Article 35)
• Penal Law provisions governing the possession, use, and licensing of firearms (Articles 265 and 400)
• Sensitive and restricted locations where licensed carry is prohibited under PL 265.01-d and PL 265.01-e
• Safe storage requirements, including vehicle storage under PL 265.45
• Situational awareness and conflict de-escalation techniques
• Suicide prevention

Live-Fire Training (2 Hours)

The 2-hour live-fire component must be conducted at a lawfully operated indoor or outdoor shooting range. During this portion, instructors evaluate each applicant's ability to safely handle, load, unload, and fire a handgun. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in basic marksmanship and safe range procedures.^[3]

Written Examination

Upon completion of the classroom instruction, each applicant must pass a written test covering the course curriculum with a minimum score of 80%.^[1] Applicants who fail the written test may retake it, though specific retake policies are set by individual training providers.

Instructor Approval

The course must be conducted by a duly authorized instructor approved by DCJS. DCJS and the State Police superintendent jointly approve the minimum curriculum. Applicants should confirm that their licensing authority will accept a provider's course before enrolling.^[4]

Cost and Availability

Training costs and locations are set by individual instructors. New York does not mandate a course price, and the state does not provide the training directly.^[2]

Pending Seated Live-Fire Accommodation

A3191A/S10438 would allow an applicant whose physical disability prevents standing, with medical verification, to complete the live-fire training and proficiency requirements while seated. The bills passed both houses, but as of July 22, 2026 the official history did not confirm delivery or signature. The accommodation is therefore not yet an enacted statewide requirement.^[8]